Russian President in icy water

Russian President Vladimir Putin plunged into icy water in the Moscow region, thus joining the observance of the significant Orthodox holiday of Epiphany.

Bare-chested, Putin entered a cross-shaped pool and submerged himself three times in the cold water, crossing himself each time he resurfaced. Earlier, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, confirmed that Putin would participate in the Epiphany bathing, adding that it is his tradition.

According to local media reports, the temperature in the Moscow region was -20 degrees Celsius, but this did not deter numerous believers from observing this feast day with ritual bathing.

It is also worth noting that Russian soldiers are particularly persistent in maintaining this tradition, and the Russian Ministry of Defense has provided 50 pools for this purpose in the Central Military District.